The annual Carols Together Service organised by Bessbrook Development Company will be held in

Christ Church, Bessbrook this year. This much loved ecumenical service is enjoyed and attended by

everyone from the local community with readings from the local churches and primary schools.

A warm welcome is extended to everyone to attend this service celebrating the true meaning of

Christmas, and join in singing favourite carols in Christ Church on Sunday 10th December at 3pm.

Everyone is advised to come early to guarantee your seat!

Mullaglass Antique & Collector's Fairposted 04/12/2017

A warm invitation is extended to all from St. Luke's Mullaglass to join them at their annual

Antiques & Collector's Fair in Mullaglass Parish Hall on Saturday 9th December from 11.00am to 5.00pm.

Christmas craft stalls will also be there with tea/coffee and pastries available throughout the day.

Our Visit to Londonderry posted 27/11/2017

On Saturday 25th November, a group from our Parish and members of the Camlough & Mullaglass Mothers' Union visited the historic city of Londonderry as part of our 150th Anniversary programme. The highlight of the visit was a one and a half hour tour of the first Cathedral built after the Reformation, St. Columb's Cathedral. Built into the integrity of the city, St. Columb's is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. A very informative and interesting tour was led by our guide, Billy. After some shopping or sight-seeing, the day concluded with a lovely meal in Salley's Restaurant in Aughnacloy. Photos from our day can be viewed in our 'Gallery' section.

Bible Society Support posted 19/11/2017

During the past two months our Sunday School pupils have been following the Armagh Diocesan Board of Mission project in support of the Bible Society NI - Bibles for Egypt Project. The project culminated in a Family Service on Sunday 29th October, when Rev Alan Synnott celebrated Bible Sunday. To date the Sunday School pupils have raised £120.00 towards the purchase of Bibles for Egypt.

700 Listens and Countingposted 14/11/2017Since the launch of our website 18 months ago, we have now accumulated 700 listens to our weekly service via this site.

We trust you continue to enjoy the services and thank you for supporting our parish through this ministry.

Cancellations posted 24/10/2017

Due to circumstances beyond our control our Youth Club meeting, scheduled for tonight (Tuesday 24 October) and our Parent & Toddlers Group on Thursday 26 October have been cancelled. The Youth Club will resume on Tuesday 7 November and the Parent & Toddlers on Thursday 2 November. We thank you for your co-operation.

Martin Luther 500posted 18/10/2017

Bessbrook Presbyterian Church are hosting a movie night in Bessbrook Town Hall on the theme of the

500th Anniversary of Martin Luther's Reformation. A warm invitation is extended to all parishioners of

Lucy Livingston (Ballymoyer), read at various locations in the church.

The Declaration was read by the Assistant Diocesan Registrar, Rev Canon Shane Forster and the sermon was delivered by the Archdeacon of Ardboe, Venerable Andrew Forster.

Afterwards, a bountiful and enjoyable supper was provided in the Parish Hall with speeches led by the Archbishop, Rev Canon Neville Hughes (Rural Dean), and Rev Alan Synnott. Mr Nicholas Prins conveyed best wishes from the Sligo parishes and Rev Keith McIntyre conveyed a warm welcome from the neighbouring Presbyterian congregation.

The evening ended with the cutting of a cake welcoming Rev Alan and his wife Anne to the Parochial Group.

Farewell Serviceposted 17/09/2017

Rev William McCracken bid farewell to Christ Church on Sunday 17 September after serving our

Parish as a Curate for the last 10 years. Known simply as William to all, he was joined by his wife

Rachel, and children Jake, Matthew & Caitlin. Rev McCracken based his last sermon on the theme

of sharing and the service included his 5 favourite hymns and a favourite psalm.

Afterwards, People's Churchwarden Janice Kinnin, led the presentation of gifts to Rev McCracken

on behalf of the Select Vestry, parishioners and Sunday School of Christ Church.

A large number of parishioners attended a picnic lunch in the Parish Hall as parishioners enjoyed

fellowship with the McCracken family who were provided with a laden hamper and celebration cake.

The parishioners of Bessbrook will fondly remember William's ministry and extend God's richest

blessings to the McCracken family on their future ahead.

Rev William McCrackenposted 08/09/2017

It is with deep regret that we confirm the Rev William McCracken will be leaving our Parish on Sunday 17th September.

The Rev McCracken will conduct Morning Worship as normal and a 'Bring Your Own Picnic' lunch will follow in the

Parish Hall to acknowledge the dedicated support and pastoral care provided by Rev McCracken over the last 10 years.

William, Rachel and their family will continue in our prayers and we thank them for everything they have achieved for

our Parish and extend God's richest blessings to them for their future ahead.

Holy Baptism posted 27/08/2017

This morning the McGrath family celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Baptism of Isla Dawn in Christ Church. The daughter of Robert and Laura and little sister to Katie, Isla was baptised and welcomed into the church family by Rev. William McCracken.

Rectory Spruce Upposted 13/08/2017

As the work in the rectory in preparation for our newly appointed Rector, Rev Alan Synnott, is drawing to a conclusion, the Select Vestry are appealing for volunteers to help with a general 'spruce-up' of the rectory and its grounds. This work is scheduled for Monday 14th & Tuesday 15th August between 2pm & 5pm. If you can help in any way it will be greatly appreciated.

Model Garden Eventposted 25/06/2017

Christ Church are celebrating another very successful 150th anniversary event with the public opening of 'The Model Garden' in Mount Charles, Bessbrook. The property and life long endeavour of parishioners William & Hilary McKelvey, the garden has been viewed by almost 300 people over the weekend of 24/25 June. Many travelled from many miles away and Killyman Mothers' Union enjoyed the trip to Bessbrook as a group.

The 150th Planning Committee and Select Vestry wish to place on record our appreciation to William & Hilary and to everyone who attended this magnificent garden event, which was blessed with glorious weather throughout.

We acknowledge the support of many parishioners who provided their time and skills in ensuring this was another success story in the history of our parish. We also acknowledge the sponsorship of scones and traybakes from Fiveways NISA Newry, J. D. Hunter & Co., Markethill and The Corn Dolly Bakery, Newry for the teas in our Parish Hall as part of the event. Photos from the event can be viewed on our Gallery page.

Date of Institutionposted 18/06/2017

The Archbishop, Dr Richard Clarke, has advised that the Service of Institution for Rev Alan Synnott will be held

on Friday 22nd September 2017 at 7.30pm, in Christ Church, Bessbrook.

Further details will be announced when they become available.

We wish Alan and Anne God's richest blessing as they prepare to make their way to our Parochial Group.

New Incumbentposted 11/06/2017

We are pleased to announce that the Rev Alan Synnott, currently Archdeacon of Killala & Achonry

and Rector of the Skreen Union in Co. Sligo, has been appointed as Rector for the parishes of

Camlough, Mullaglass and Ballymoyer Union by the Diocesan Board of Nomination.

A date for the Service of Institution will be announced in the near future.

and Doris Megarity (Mullaglass) and Wilmar Johnston (Ballymoyer Union) and all involved with the

Board of Nomination for their dedicated commitment in securing the services of our new Rector.

We look forward to welcoming Rev Synnott, and his wife Anne, to their new home in Bessbrook in due course.

Further details will be advised when available.

Mullaglass Fashion Showposted 11/06/2017

A special invitation has been received from the parishioners of Mullaglass Parish to join them for their upcoming Fashion Show being held in their Parish Hall on Wednesday 21 June at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Mullaglass Select Vestry members or you can pay at the door.

Ballymoyer Union BBQposted 08/06/2017

A special invitation has been received from the parishioners of Ballymoyer & Belleek churches to the parishioners of Christ Church to join them for their annual BBQ & Fun Night at Ballymoyer Rectory on the evening of Saturday 10th June from 7.00pm. A number of tickets are available to the parish at a cost of £15.00 for adults and children free. If you require a ticket please contact Mr Paul Goodland or the Hon. Secretary.

Midsummer Festivalposted 07/06/2017

Newry Chamber Music are hosting part of their Midsummer Festival in our Church and Parish Hall on the weekend of 16th & 17th June. On Friday evening, 16th June, their Opening Concert, featuring Maire Flavin (soprano), Joanne Quigley (violin) and David Quigley (piano) will commence at 8pm.

On Saturday 17th June, a series of events and workshops aimed at the younger generation will be held in our Parish Hall from 11.00am.

The festival continues in Newry Arts Centre and Warrenpoint Town Hall.

Full details on the Newry Chamber Music Midsummer Festival can be found using this link here.

CMS Ireland - Children's Competitionposted 01/06/2017

Today, 1st June, CMS Ireland announced the prize winners in their 2017 Children's Resource - Growing in God - Colouring Competition and our Sunday School Superintendent, Mrs Eileen McVicker, is delighted to have been informed that Abbey McKelvey has received a 'Highly Commended' for her entry in the 5-7 years age category and Holly Best also received a 'Highly Commended' for her entry in the 11+ age category. Our congratulations are conveyed to both Abbey and Holly and to the Sunday School teachers and Superintendent for their continued support of our young people and CMS Ireland's annual projects.

Children's Dayposted 28/05/2017Our annual Children's Day service was held on Sunday 28 May at 11.30am. This special service was led by the children of the Sunday School with pupils taking the Reading and Prayers. The Sunday School choir also performed their anthem 'Jesus Called Them One By One'. Rev William McCracken based his sermon on this years CMS Ireland project in Kenya, on which a DVD presentation was shown.

Mrs Eileen McVicker, Sunday School Superintendent, led the awards ceremony with all pupils presented with their annual awards. Best in class winners were Victoria Martin, Matthew Fegan, Dylan Fegan and Matthew Gilcrhist.

Mr Matthew Kinnin presented the Dobson Memorial Cup for overall best attendance at Sunday School and Church. The cup was won by Victoria Martin.

Favourite Hymns Great Success!posted 22/05/2017

Our 150th Anniversary programme kicked off with our much-anticipated Favourite Hymns Service on Sunday 21 May. Over 200 people from throughout the community in Bessbrook and beyond, attended the evening of music and song in Christ Church, with the musical accompaniment provided by the talented musicians of Tullyvallen Silver Band.

The 12 hymns chosen by the parishioners of Christ Church were; Be Thou My Vision, Be Still For The Presence, I Need Thee Every Hour, Give Me Oil In My Lamp, Nearer My God To Thee, Amazing Grace, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, When I Survey The Wondrous Cross, Will Your Anchor Hold, The Day Thou Gavest Lord, Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah and When We Walk With The Lord.

The service was conducted by Rev William McCracken who introduced each hymn with a short biography of the writer and hymn.

If you wish to have a permanent recording a CD copy of the service will be available shortly at a cost of £5 per copy.

To order your copy, please contact either Churchwarden or contact the Hon. Secretary on (028) 30 839 041 or email [email protected]

500 Listens and Countingposted 21/05/2017

Since the launch of our website just over a year ago, we have now had 500 listens to our weekly service via this site. We trust you all enjoy the services and thank you for supporting our parish.

Mothers' Union Diocesan Festival Serviceposted 14/05/2017

The Armagh Diocesan Mothers' Union Festival Service was held in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh on Sunday 14 May 2017. Proceedings included the planting of a tree in the Cathedral grounds and Mrs Hazel Cunningham, Camlough and Mullaglass Branch member, acted as Banner Bearer for the duration of the service.

Confirmation 2017posted 12/05/2017

Six young people from our Parish received their Confirmation from Archbishop Dr Richard Clarke, along with all other candidates from the Mullabrack Rural Deanery, in Mullabrack Parish Church on Thursday 11 May 2017. We convey our best wishes and congratulations to Holly, Jessica, Jason, John, Joshua & Matthew, and look forward to them receiving their Holy Communion with us in Bessbrook. Our first service for the new Communicants will be held on Sunday 21 May at 11.30am, with the Celebrant, Rev William McCracken. A recording of the service can be listened to via the following link, provided by Mullabrack & Kilcluney Parish: https://youtu.be/uTtRgkgsFQs

One Year Oldposted 01/05/2017

Today, 1 May, marks the first anniversary of the public launch of our parish website. This site has been used to announce services and provide information on our general life within our parish. It has been used by many over the last 12 months as a tool to contact the church, especially for those researching their family history. We believe this has been a very useful and increasingly popular method of communication for parishioners and friends alike, and to date almost 500 people have listened to our weekly worship via this website. We trust you will continue to enjoy this site and the information provided, especially our 150th anniversary programme of events. If however, you wish to have any item/s included please use the contact information to suggest your ideas for inclusion. We thank you all for your support of our website and look forward to keeping you all informed of our parish life as we continue into the future.

Rectory Clean Upposted 19/04/2017

Today a large number of parishioners from our Parochial Group volunteered in giving the Rectory and its garden a 'spring-clean'. This important work will ensure the rectory remains in pristine condition. The Select Vestry greatly appreciate the support of all who helped out today.

Gallery Updateposted 17/04/2017

Our 'Gallery' section has been updated to include photographs from our Easter Sunday church floral decorations. Our best thanks are conveyed to all who provided flowers and decorated the church so tastefully.

Mullaglass Big Breakfastposted 09/04/2017

An invitation from St. Luke's, Mullaglass has been extended to all parishioners of Christ Church to join them in their annual Big Breakfast morning on Easter Sunday morning from 8.00am to 9.45am. Proceeds are in aid of church funds and CMSI 2017 Project.

Youth Club Easter Tripposted 05/04/2017

Members of our Junior Youth Club had a very enjoyable night out at the Fun House in Newry on Tuesday 4 April to finish off their 2016/17 season. This coincided with their Easter break and all members received an Easter Egg as well. Meanwhile, Senior Group members had an equally enjoyable Easter party in the Parish Hall. This concludes the weekly activities for the Youth Club this season, though Senior Group members have agreed to attend during May & June (weather permitting), to help with the work in our church grounds and graveyard.

Easter General Vestry Meeting posted 04/04/2017

Our annual Easter General Vestry Meeting was held in Christ Church Parish Hall on Monday 3 April at 8.00pm. The meeting was chaired by Rev William McCracken. This is the annual business meeting of the church which elects the Select Vestry for the forthcoming year, whose role is to manage the fabric, finance and furnishings of the Parish. The result of the election was as follows:

Churchwardens:

Rector's - Mr Alan Cummins

People's - Mrs Janice Kinnin

Glebewardens:

Rector's - Mr Paul Goodland

People's - Mr Adrian Fegan

Supplemental Glebewardens:

Rector's - Mr Gordon Thompson

People's - Mrs Hazel Cunningham

Diocesan Synods Persons:

Mr Adrian Fegan & Mr William McKie

Supplemental Synods Persons:

Mrs Ella Harvey & Mrs Joyce Postlethwaite

Parochial Nominators:

Mrs Hazel Cunningham & Mr Paul Goodland

Supplemental Parochial Nominators:

Mr Ernest Cowan & Mrs Hazel Paul

Honorary Secretary:

Mr Trevor Kinnin

Honorary Treasurer:

Mr John Cunningham

Select Vestry:

Rev Canon Neville Hughes, Rural Dean EX-OFFICIO

Rev William McCracken - EX-OFFICIO

1. Mr Alan Cummins - EX-OFFICIO

2. Mrs Janice Kinnin - EX-OFFICIO

3. Mr Paul Goodland - EX-OFFICIO

4. Mr Adrian Fegan - EX-OFFICIO

5. Mrs Libby Cartmill

6. Mr Ernest Cowan

7. Mrs Hazel Cunningham

8. Mr John Cunningham

9. Mr David Goodland

10. Mrs Ella Harvey

11. Mr Allen Kinnin

12. Mr Trevor Kinnin

13. Mr William McKie

14. Mrs Hazel Paul

15. Mrs Joyce Postlethwaite

16. Mr Gordon Thompson

Fraudulent text message and email alertposted 27/03/2017

Please be aware that the Church of Ireland are reporting the following warning on their website:

It has come to our attention that a number of fraudulent text messages and emails are being circulated purporting to be from the Church of Ireland – which is also described by the sender as the ‘Church of Ireland Charity Organization’ and ‘Ireland Church’.

The message is followed up by an email which claims that the Church of Ireland is awarding €200,000 in cash and a travel visa to Europe to random mobile phone numbers across 16 countries in West Africa.

This message and email is not from the Church of Ireland and/or any body connected with the Church. The Church of Ireland does not allocate funding in this way and the email appears to be a fraudulent attempt to obtain personal and banking details and/or monies from the recipient.

A large attendance was gathered in our Parish Hall on the evening of Saturday 25 March 2017 for the official launch of our 150th anniversary programme. The evening was opened by Rev William McCracken who handed over to The Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh for prayers and address. The Archbishop described the history of the Church of Ireland, 150 years ago, and conveyed best wishes to the Parish for the next 18 months of activities.

Trevor Kinnin, Hon. Secretary, gave the details of all our events in the 150th programme before Rev Canon Neville Hughes, Rural Dean, closed in Prayer. Special prayers were said for Archdeacon Terry Scott and his wife Alison, who couldn't attend the event due to a family bereavement earlier in the day.

Alan Cummins and Janice Kinnin, Churchwardens, presented a gift to each of the officiating clergy before supper was served.

Visiting clergy who attended represented the local Presbyterian, Methodist and Roman Catholic denominations, along with Rev Amelia McWilliams and Rev Canon Joyce Moore, who had previously served as Curate in the parish.

As we look forward to welcoming the Archbishop to our Parish Hall for the launch of our 150th anniversary programme this Saturday evening, a number of local press outlets have been forwarded a Press Release in an attempt to highlight the events coming up during our anniversary. Please look out for this in the local Newry & Armagh newspapers, along with the Belfast Newsletter. A post has already been made on our Diocesan website and a post on the main Church of Ireland website should follow this week. To view the full press release please link here.

400 up!posted 15/03/2017

Since the launch of our Parish website on 1 May last year, 400 listeners have now enjoyed the recordings of our weekly services.

Congratulations are extended to Arlene Weir and Mark Johnston who were married this afternoon in Christ Church, Bessbrook.

Our prayerful best wishes are extended to the new Mr & Mrs Johnston.

150th Anniversary Meeting Date Changeposted 07/03/2017

Please note that due to a clash of events, our next 150th Anniversary Planning meeting has been changed from 8 March

to Wednesday 15 March at 8pm in our Parish Hall. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Youth Support Workers Training Courseposted 24/02/2017

Over the last number of months, Mr David Goodland, has participated in the Education Authority assessed Youth Support Workers Training Course. David is the first person, who has come through our Youth Club as a young member, to take such a course. David was assessed by the Education Authority during our Youth Club programme on Tuesday 21 February in our Parish Hall. We extend best wishes to David as he continues this very important course and subsequent qualification. To view some photos from David's assessment please link here.

Marriage Enrichment Courseposted 24/02/2017

A 4 night Marriage Enrichment course is being hosted at Mullabrack, aimed at those who are married and those who are planning to get married. If you are interested in attending this course, please contact either Churchwarden. To view further details please click here.

Vacancy Advertisementposted 23/02/2017

The advertisement for a new Incumbent for the Parochial Group of Camlough, Mullaglass and Ballymoyer Union is now posted on the Diocesan website. Interested parties can view the advert will the following link:

The annual Revision of General Vestry Members will take place on Sunday 26 February 2017 at 7.30pm. Currently the list of membership is open for interested parishioners to register. The registration will remain open until Sunday 26 February at 7.00pm. Any parishioner, who attends church regularly, pays over £50 per annum through our envelope system and is aged 18 or over, is eligible to register. If you wish to do so, please contact either Churchwarden who will give you the relevant registration form.

Mothers' Union Datesposted 14/02/2017

Camlough & Mullaglass Mothers' Union Branch have announced their diary dates for 2017. These can be accessed here.

Revision of Vestry Membersposted 12/02/2017

With the annual Revision of Vestry Members due to take place over the next few weeks, existing members and those parishioners contemplating on registering, should take note that the RCB is pleased to make available a new Parish Handbook which aims to connect the foundations of our Church to today’s members and to make the role of service on a select vestry enjoyable and rewarding.

The Parish Handbook is a manual to support select vestries, parish officers and all members of the Church in the administration and organisation of parish life. It explains how requirements of the Constitution relate to today’s parishes, offers solutions to typical parish issues, and provides clear guidance to select vestry members on what is expected of them and tools to help them in their role. The last time the Church published a guide with a similar purpose was in 1982 so it is hoped that an update will be of value to today’s Church members.

The Handbook is currently available online, organised by topic and available on a new section of the main Church of Ireland website, called Parish Resources.The guidance notes can be found under the relevant topic areas – e.g. Select Vestry, Parish Finance and Generous Giving at:https://www.ireland.anglican.org/parish-resources

Cathedral Appointmentposted 03/02/2017

Mrs Florence Hoey, our immediate previous Parish Reader, has been appointed by the

Archbishop as Cathedral Reader in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh from 1 January 2017 in

At our Select Vestry meeting on 25 January, the Rural Dean gave an update on our new parochial grouping and with the ongoing arrangements in our group advertising for a new full-time rector. It is envisaged that an advert could be placed during February. The Select Vestry elected Mrs Hazel Cunningham and Mr Paul Goodland as Parochial Nominators for our parish and they along with the nominators from Mullaglass & Ballymoyer Union will have great responsibility in securing the services of a new incumbent. We offer them our full prayerful support.

Christmas Wreaths / Flowersposted 30/01/2017

The Select Vestry have requested that parishioners please remove any Christmas wreaths/flowers that remain on family graves within the churchyard. The Churchwardens have been granted permission to remove such flowers by the end of February. We appreciate your co-operation with this matter.

Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomimeposted 16/01/2017

Our Sunday School pupils will be attending the Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Newry Town Hall on Wednesday 25 January 2017 at 7.30pm. Parents are requested to leave their children off at NEWRY TOWN HALL between 7.00pm - 7.15pm. Pick up times will be confirmed on the night.

Select Vestry Meetingposted 08/01/2017

The next scheduled meeting of our Select Vestry will be held in our Parish Hall on Wednesday 25 January 2017 at 8.00pm. With the new Parochial Grouping of Camlough, Mullaglass & Ballymoyer Union now formed this meeting will allow us to nominate and elect 2 Synod Members and 2 Parochial Nominators.

Confirmationposted 08/01/2017Confirmation classes will resume in Mullabrack Parish Hall on Sunday 15 January from 3.30pm. The Archbishop & Rural Dean have advised that the Confirmation Service will be held in Mullabrack Parish Church on Thursday 11 May at 7.30pm.

Isla McGrath with her parents, Robert & Laura, Godparents and Grandparents.